Good morning, Athens.

College Square's beautification project will soon begin demolition and replace asphalt with brick pavers along Broad to Clayton; county officials plan work to avoid business disruptions during the 10-12 week phase plus a pocket park near City Hall is set to open in March.

Georgia Power contributed $50,000 to Historic Athens to expand weatherization programs for low-income historic homeowners and improve energy efficiency—Historic Athens Preservation Impact Division will oversee repairs and maintenance in eligible homes.

The Mayor and the Athens-Clarke County Commission will not consider plans this month to redevelop the former UGA President’s House into a hotel amid community concerns.

Developers are expected to submit revised plans that reduce the building’s size and secure a historic easement (local opposition).

Clarke County School Board member Nicole Hull resigned last week (her resignation will take effect June 30) and a special election will be held on November 3 to replace her in District 8, with the board possibly appointing a temporary successor before the vote.

The Jefferson boys wrestling team claimed the GHSA duals title with a 57-21 win in Class 3A while other local teams also placed; girls duals will take place on Saturday, Jan.

24 with region tournaments starting Jan. 30 and sectionals scheduled through Feb. 14.

Early polls project Georgia football to rank in the top 25 for next season — with outlets listing the Bulldogs as high as No. 2 and noting strengths in quarterback Gunner Stockton and coach Kirby Smart’s leadership.

The projections come after the team finished a strong season.

Georgia basketball bracketology puts the Bulldogs between a No. 7 and No. 9 seed (with a NET ranking of 27) ahead of their game against Missouri.

Coach Mike White said the team will keep working hard every day as they prepare for the NCAA tournament.

On Jan. 20, Georgia football coach Kirby Smart announced a staff change for 2026—veteran offensive line coach Stacy Searels will shift to an analyst role while former NFL assistant Phil Rauscher takes over as offensive line coach.

The move follows a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss.

Georgia football ended its 12-2 season with a 39-34 Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss on Jan.

1 and finished No. 5 in the final US LBM Coaches Poll released on Jan. 20; the Bulldogs have ranked in the top eight for nine consecutive seasons.

Dead Beat Club Live Band Karaoke

7-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $15-$50 — Experience the thrill of singing with a live rock band in a fun karaoke night.

Departure - Journey Tribute Band

8-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $20 (adv.), $25 — Experience the electrifying tribute to the legendary 80’s rock group Journey.

T. Hardy Morris Live Concert

7:00-11:00 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets available — Experience the melodic tunes and engaging lyrics of T. Hardy Morris live on stage.

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special

7:00 p.m. — 1051 Baxter — $43 — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Jeremy Would Let Me Drown Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — Secure your tickets — Experience an engaging live performance with Jeremy Would Let Me Drown in Athens.

Laundry Day Concert

7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets from $44 — Enjoy a lively night with last-minute concert tickets at one of Athens' iconic venues.